Purple Mountain, Nanjing - Image 1
1 / 10

Purple Mountain (Zijin Mountain) Nanjing

4.5
·24 reviews·Nanjing, China

Nanjing's Purple Mountain offers a majestic blend of imperial history and natural splendor, with iconic mausoleums and scenic trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Stunning scenery, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Purple Mountain, Nanjing - Image 1

Purple Mountain (Zijin Mountain) Nanjing

Best Time

Winter mornings

Stunning scenery, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Nanjing's Purple Mountain offers a majestic blend of imperial history and natural splendor, with iconic mausoleums and scenic trails.

4.5
(24 reviews)

"A great way to escape the bustling city and just enjoy the peace and quiet on the mountaintop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast mountain trails.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are snack shops, but carrying your own water is wise.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Eastern slope of Purple Mountain

A grand monument to the 'Father of Modern China,' offering historical insights and impressive architecture.

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Northern foot of Purple Mountain

The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty, featuring a majestic spirit way.

Bo'ai Pavilion

Bo'ai Pavilion

Purple Mountain

Adorned with beautiful crape myrtle, this pavilion offers a serene spot to enjoy nature's beauty.

Purple Mountain Observatory

Purple Mountain Observatory

Summit of Purple Mountain

Discover astronomical wonders and enjoy panoramic views of Nanjing from this historic site.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Purple Mountain is vast, and exploring it on foot can take a full day. Consider visiting during winter for stunning scenery, or aim for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Some areas are free to enter before 6 AM or after 6 PM, a tip popular with students.

Navigating the Mountain

While hiking is rewarding, the mountain is huge. Renting electric motorcycles or using the available buses can save time and energy. Be aware that signage might not always be accurate, so don't hesitate to ask locals for directions.

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Stunning scenery, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, less crowded
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wow, so beautiful.❤️✨ 📍Nanjing| Nanjing Zhongshan #naturesms
@destinationexplore
10.4M likes • 105.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast mountain trails. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are snack shops, but carrying your own water is wise. Reddit

Travel In China Is Safe For A Black Man😏 #creatorsearchinsights #travelinchina #travelinchinaxinjiang #travelinchinatips #travelinchinavlog #travelinchinananjing #travelinchinajournal #travelinchinablack #blackpeopleinchinatravel
@passportvisionz_
1.7M likes • 17.8M views
The crape myrtle embellishes the Bo'ai Pavilion on Purple Mountain. Its graceful presence weaves a magical tapestry, inviting you to bask in nature's beauty.🌺 Feel free to message us with photos/videos of Nanjing so that we can share them with all our fans!📩 Photo Credit: YunxiAN #chinatravel #chineseart #chinatour #chinatrip #chinatrips #chinalife #chinastyle #chinesestyle #chinagram #nanjing ...
discover_nanjing
4.1K likes • 0 views

⏰ Consider Off-Peak Hours

Entry is free before 6 AM or after 6 PM, a popular tip for students to avoid crowds and fees. Reddit

🛵 Rent an E-Motorcycle

Save energy and cover more ground by renting an electric motorcycle to navigate the mountain. Reddit

The sunshine sprinkles on the Purple Mountain. #VisitJiangsu #Jiangsu #Nanjing #photography #asiatrip #wanderlust #travelgram #traveltheworld #travel #wonderlust #ttot #worldtravel #travelmore #wheretonext #exploretheworld #traveldiary #asiatravel #TravelJiangsu #photooftheday #photoshoot #landscape #picture #picoftheday #sunrise
visitjiangsu
307 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast mountain trails. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are snack shops, but carrying your own water is wise. Reddit

⏰ Consider Off-Peak Hours

Entry is free before 6 AM or after 6 PM, a popular tip for students to avoid crowds and fees. Reddit

🛵 Rent an E-Motorcycle

Save energy and cover more ground by renting an electric motorcycle to navigate the mountain. Reddit

🗺️ Ask for Directions

Signage can be inaccurate. Don't hesitate to ask locals for the best routes to your desired destinations. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The mountain offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise. Bring your camera! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(24 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Purple Mountain for its rich historical significance, particularly the Sun Yat-sen and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleums, and its stunning natural beauty. Many enjoy the hiking opportunities and the escape from the city. However, some note that signage can be inaccurate, and one full day might not be enough to explore everything.

"Great place to experience history. Location of some important sites like the ming xiaoling mausoleum and sun yat sen mausoleum. The walk going to the top is long but not that hard. If you get tired you can rent electric motorcycles and there are also buses you can ride."

John Lorenz Panotes

"Huge mountain very suitable for hikers , astonishing view , there is many entrance to go up , the sign there is not that accurate tho , better to ask people the route , I have taken three entrance route it took me approximately 1.5h ,2.5h , 4h each . I highly reccommend going during the winter , so beautiful . Many museum up there i remember vividly some of the small museum doesn't have english translation . One whole day is definately not enough if planning to explore by foot . Some of the path needs entrance fee , however before 6am or after 6pm is entrance free ( that's what uni students do ) Very convenient taking metro ."

Cherry Kam

"Beautiful adventure in nature. Take lots of water. A lot of walking bit worth the walk."

Minxys Cut

What People Like

Historical sites
Natural beauty
Hiking opportunities

What People Dislike

Inaccurate signage
Vastness requires time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Purple Mountain is easily accessible by metro. Take Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station or Minggugong Station, which are convenient starting points for exploring the mountain. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available, though they can fill up quickly during peak times. Consider public transport if possible. Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to various entrances of Purple Mountain. It's a convenient option if you prefer door-to-door service. TikTok

Yes, there are bus services that operate within Purple Mountain, connecting various attractions. This is a more budget-friendly option than taxis. Reddit

While many areas involve walking, there are buses and electric motorcycles for rent that can help navigate the mountain. Some historical sites may have limited accessibility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The mountain itself is generally free to enter, but specific attractions within the mountain, such as mausoleums and museums, may require separate entrance fees. Reddit

Opening hours vary for each attraction. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes by 5 PM. It's best to check the specific hours for each site you plan to visit. Reddit

Yes, you can enter the mountain area for free before 6 AM or after 6 PM. However, access to specific ticketed attractions will still require a valid ticket during their operating hours. Reddit

Tickets for most attractions can be purchased at their respective entrances. It's advisable to buy them early in the day, especially for popular sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Reddit

Information on combo tickets can be limited. It's best to inquire at the visitor centers or individual attraction ticket booths upon arrival for any available package deals. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

A full day is recommended if you plan to explore extensively on foot and visit multiple attractions. Even then, one day might not be enough to see everything. Reddit

There are various trails catering to different fitness levels. The routes to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are popular and well-maintained. Reddit

Yes, there are snack shops and even a KFC on the mountaintop offering coffee and sandwiches. However, options can be limited, so consider bringing your own snacks. Reddit

While official rules might restrict cycling on some roads, many visitors do cycle. You might need to lift your bike over barriers, but security is often lenient. Reddit

Purple Mountain is home to significant historical sites including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Purple Mountain Observatory. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the spirit way of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and scenic viewpoints offering panoramic city views are excellent for photography. Sunrise also provides beautiful light. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in and around historical sites and national parks in China. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. Sunrise can be particularly stunning. Instagram

During the blooming season, the crape myrtle around Bo'ai Pavilion offers beautiful floral photo opportunities. The changing autumn leaves also create picturesque scenes. Instagram

Photography rules vary by attraction. Inside the mausoleums themselves, photography is often prohibited to preserve the artifacts and historical integrity. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Purple Mountain offers a blend of history and nature that can engage families. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum provide educational opportunities about Chinese history, presented in visually impressive ways. Reddit Consider renting an electric motorcycle or using the internal buses to make navigating the large area more manageable for younger children. Reddit

Pack plenty of snacks and water, as food options can be limited and spread out. Reddit Look for the open spaces where kids can run around and enjoy the fresh air. While some paths require significant walking, the overall experience can be a fun and memorable adventure for the whole family. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Purple Mountain is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers. The mountain itself is free to enter, and you can access many areas before 6 AM or after 6 PM without paying entrance fees for the grounds. Reddit Opt for public transportation like the metro or local buses to reach the mountain, which is significantly cheaper than taxis. TikTok

While specific mausoleums and museums have entrance fees, prioritize the ones that interest you most. Pack your own food and water to save on costs, as on-site options can be pricier. Reddit Hiking is free and offers the best way to experience the natural beauty and historical sites without additional expenses. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through History

Purple Mountain is not just a natural landscape; it's a repository of significant Chinese history. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is a monumental tribute to the revolutionary leader, designed with a grand staircase leading to his resting place. Its architecture reflects a blend of traditional Chinese and Western styles, symbolizing the new era he ushered in. TikTok

Nearby, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum offers a glimpse into imperial China. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. The impressive Spirit Way, lined with stone statues of animals and officials, is a highlight, evoking the grandeur of ancient imperial processions. Exploring these sites provides a profound connection to China's past. Reddit

Beyond these major landmarks, the mountain is dotted with smaller museums and historical markers, though some may lack English translations, making it beneficial to research beforehand or go with a guide. Reddit

Exploring Nature's Beauty

Beyond its historical significance, Purple Mountain is a haven for nature lovers. The mountain offers a welcome escape from the bustling city, providing a peaceful environment for hiking and relaxation. Reddit The diverse flora means there's beauty to be found year-round, from spring blossoms to autumn foliage. Instagram

For those who enjoy an active experience, the mountain is ideal for hiking, running, and even cycling. The well-maintained roads and numerous trails cater to various fitness levels. Reddit Visitors can rent electric motorcycles to cover more ground, or opt for the scenic cable car for a quicker ascent and panoramic views. Reddit The Bo'ai Pavilion, often adorned with crape myrtle, is a particularly picturesque spot to pause and appreciate the natural surroundings. Instagram

While the mountain is beautiful in any season, many recommend visiting during winter for its unique charm and fewer crowds. Reddit The crisp air and potential for frost can create a magical atmosphere, making the historical sites even more evocative. Reddit